In December 2012, the LDS Church reached a significant milestone as the 3,000th stake was organized. Perhaps even more significant is the location of this stake: Sierra Leone, a West African country known for its tragic and violent history.

A bill has been proposed at the Utah State Legislature that would bar "fraudulent representations" in adoptions. If it passes, adoption agencies could face penalties, including having their licenses suspended or even revoked, for fraudulent activity.

One in 70 million. Less likely than being struck by lighting. Less likely than getting in a plane crash. Still, a mother in Texas beat those odds when she conceived two sets of identical twins simultaneously — without the help of fertility drugs.

The books we read as kids help shape who we become; and the ones we love speak to the soul. Every girl should have a steady diet of strong, confident, quirky characters to admire, love and emulate. This Book Matters list includes 12 great examples.